Saturday, 19 October 2013

Book Review: Letters to Nowhere by Julie Cross

Title: Letters to Nowhere

Author: Julie Cross

Pages: 288

Format: Kindle ebook

Published: 2013

Goodreads Rating: 4.14/5

My Rating: 8/10

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Set in the tough world of Elite Gymnastics...

I've gotten used to the dead parents face. I've gotten used to living with my gymnastics coach. I've even adjusted to sharing a bathroom with his way-too-hot son. Dealing with boys is not something that's made it onto my list of experiences as of yet. But here I am, doing it. And something about Jordan--being around him, talking to him, thinking about him--makes me feel like I can finally breathe again. That's something I haven't been able to do lately. He knows what it feels like to be me right now. He knows what it's like to wonder--what now? I think about it constantly. I need answers. I need to know how to get through this. In the gym, if you're struggling, you train harder, you do drills and conditioning. How do I work hard at moving on? At being on my own? And what happens if I might be...maybe...probably falling for Jordan? I mean we live together now. That can't happen, can it? But kissing him...well, let's just say it's not an easy activity to forget.

Review

*This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review*

When I read the description of this book I just couldn't help but want to read it. There were plenty of elements that I love in YA books. Most high on the list would have to be the emotional drama and the interesting sounding love interest.

I wasn't disappointed by my high expectations.

From early on in the book I could tell that the emotional drama was going to be handled in a really good way. It didn't feel forced, or fake in any way. It was believable, emotional and helped you to connect with the main character.

Speaking of the characters, they were all pretty fantastic. I found Karen to be a really good narrator, who pulled you into the story. She went on a journey trying to deal with her parents death, figuring out her feelings for Jordan, and working out what she wanted from her gymnastics career in the future. I found her to be a really good and interesting character.

As for the other characters, I loved them all equally as much. Ok maybe not equally, because who could read this book and not instantly find Jordan to be the best character...ever.

I'm serious, he was such a sweet, thoughtful, all round great character. I thought he was written really well, and I loved that he was able to help Karen with her emotional issues.

I also liked that the story didn't entirely revolve around Karen, Jordan and his dad had an interesting back story as well, which was explored. I liked that a lot, and I liked the relationship between the two of them, and how having Karen there was helping them both as well.

Overall this was a really interesting, well paced book. The only real negative I have for it, is that in places I found it to be a little bit predictable, and the ending felt a little hurried. Other than that it was a fantastic read, and I would highly recommend it.